When planning for the future, many families in Cincinnati want to ensure their loved ones are protected and their wishes are carried out without unnecessary delays or expenses. A living trust—also known as a revocable living trust—is one of the most effective estate planning tools to achieve these goals. It allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime and provide a smooth transfer after your passing.
What Is a Living Trust?
A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust during your lifetime. You, the grantor, typically act as the trustee, managing your property as usual. Upon your death, your chosen successor trustee distributes the assets according to your instructions.
Unlike a will, a living trust does not go through probate, meaning your family avoids the time, cost, and public nature of probate court.
Benefits of a Living Trust
Families choose living trusts because of the clear advantages:
- Avoid Probate – Assets transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.
- Maintain Control – You manage the trust while alive and competent.
- Plan for Incapacity – If you become unable to manage your affairs, your successor trustee can step in.
- Privacy – Trusts are not part of the public record, unlike wills.
- Flexibility – A living trust is revocable, allowing you to make changes as your life changes.
Living Trust vs. Will
While both tools help with estate planning, there are key differences:
- Wills – Simpler, but must go through probate and become public record.
- Living Trusts – Avoid probate, remain private, and allow for incapacity planning.
Many families choose to use a living trust in addition to a simple will (often called a “pour-over will”) to ensure complete coverage.
Who Should Consider a Living Trust?
A living trust may be right for you if you want to:
- Protect your family from probate court delays and costs.
- Keep your financial matters private.
- Provide a smooth management plan in case of incapacity.
- Control when and how your assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
- Ensure your estate plan can adapt over time.
Why Work With a Cincinnati Trust Attorney?
While living trusts are flexible, they must be properly drafted and funded to be effective. A Cincinnati trust attorney can:
- Draft a trust tailored to your needs.
- Ensure Ohio laws are followed.
- Help transfer (or “fund”) assets into the trust.
- Guide you in coordinating your will, trust, and other estate planning documents.
Take the Next Step
A living trust provides flexibility today and security tomorrow. If you’re ready to protect your family and simplify your estate plan, it’s time to take action.
Protect your family. Call to setup an appointment with Krugler Law. (513) 916-1600.